Why R-Truth Vs Aleister Black Was Cut Short on WWE SmackDown – Fans were left puzzled after the heavily promoted match between R-Truth and Aleister Black on the July 11 episode of WWE SmackDown wrapped up in just under 90 seconds. Despite multiple weeks of build-up, the match turned out to be a short sprint—but according to backstage reports, that wasn’t the original plan.
Per a report from internal WWE sources, while R-Truth was always scheduled to win the bout, the original layout called for a much longer and more competitive contest. However, a major time overrun earlier in the show led to last-minute changes. The in-ring segment featuring Jelly Roll, Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre reportedly went significantly over its allotted time, forcing producers to cut time from other parts of the show on the fly.
The biggest casualty of the shuffle was the Truth vs. Black match, which had most of its content removed to ensure the rest of the live broadcast stayed on schedule. One backstage source referred to the situation as a “necessary evil,” emphasizing that it wasn’t a reflection on either talent’s standing with WWE.
Both performers are still viewed as important parts of SmackDown’s ongoing plans. R-Truth has gained momentum since his return to TV, and Aleister Black is still being positioned as a rising star within the blue brand. The expectation backstage is that their trajectories will continue as intended, and the shortened bout will not be used to alter any future creative direction.
Internally, there was some frustration about how the situation played out, as both stars had been preparing for a more significant showing. Still, with the segment involving mainstream names like Jelly Roll and Logan Paul running long, WWE officials prioritized the crossover moment in real-time.
As noted, the ongoing storyline culminates in a celebrity-laced tag team match at SummerSlam 2025, now a two-night premium live event set for August 2 and 3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Jelly Roll will team with Randy Orton to face Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, with Cardi B confirmed as the official host of this year’s SummerSlam.
Why R-Truth vs. Aleister Black Was Cut Short on WWE SmackDown
